Gardaí will continue to provide a high level of back-up for cash-in-transit companies until internal protections are put in place, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell promised yesterday.
In what Siptu leaders described as a "very positive" meeting with the Minister, Mr McDowell said he would continue to put pressure on security companies and banks to upgrade their arrangements.
The meeting, attended by Siptu president Jack O'Connor and its security branch secretary Kevin McMahon, was organised earlier this month.
The union had been planning a one-day stoppage following a spate of armed attacks on members employed by security companies. This was postponed after the Security Authority announced that new licensing arrangements for the sector would be introduced in October.
Mr McDowell had also given security companies and their major clients such as the banks until the end of July to introduce new measures to foil attacks.
He told the Siptu representatives yesterday that, in the meantime, gardaí would continue to give the sector an increased level of attention.
It is understood gardaí have been given increased resources to investigate armed gangs involved in raids and to provide escorts for deliveries.
Mr McMahon said the meeting had given Siptu a lot of confidence that the concerns of its members were being addressed.
He said gangs had recently targeted cash-in-transit vans.
"But we're satisfied that what requires to be done to address the situation is now being done, and that the resources needed are being made available."
